Two Door Cinema Club: A Milestone Celebration at Madison Square Garden
Two Door Cinema Club are gearing up for one of the most significant moments in their career: their long-awaited debut at Madison Square Garden, accompanied by a full UK arena tour. This celebration marks a new anniversary cycle for the band, who have spent the last 15 years evolving their sound and relationship with their legacy.
A Surreal Milestone
For bassist Kevin Baird, this upcoming performance feels both surreal and hard-earned. Reflecting on the journey, he notes that it’s a culmination of various eras and experiences. The band has navigated through the complexities of the music industry while staying true to their roots. Clash caught up with Kevin mid-tour to discuss dream venues, the early indie scene, and the band’s evolving identity.
The Dream Venue
When asked about the confirmation of their Madison Square Garden date, Kevin expressed a mix of excitement and disbelief. “It’s one of those places we always dreamt about playing,” he shared. Despite facing numerous roadblocks over the years, the band’s determination has kept them focused. Kevin reminisced about their early days, feeling somewhat like outsiders in the indie music scene. “We were this band from a small town in Ireland,” he explained, which fueled their “us against the world” mentality.
The Indie Scene and Building Relationships
Kevin reflected on the tight-knit music scene in Belfast during their formative years. “There were 10-20 bands all playing gigs in the city, helping each other out,” he recalled. As they stepped out of Ireland, they found it challenging to fit in with other bands of their era, often feeling younger and less established. However, they eventually found camaraderie with bands like The Vaccines, which helped them feel more integrated into the indie landscape.
The Evolution of Sound
Discussing their debut album, Kevin noted the urgency and optimism that characterized their early sound. “We were ambitious and certain that what we were doing was good,” he said. Growing up in the shadow of the Troubles in Northern Ireland, their music became a form of escapism. “It was all about just dancing and having a good time,” he explained, emphasizing their desire to create an enjoyable experience for their audience.
Navigating Relationships Within the Band
The dynamics within the band have also evolved over the years. Kevin likened their relationship to a marriage, noting that they’ve been together longer than he has with his wife. “You have to work at it and allow people to change,” he said, acknowledging the challenges of growing together while also evolving as individuals. This acceptance of change has become a strength that has kept them united through the years.
Overcoming Creative Pressures
As they moved forward with new records like False Alarm and Keep On Smiling, Kevin discussed the pressures of maintaining their creative identity. “We accepted a long time ago that there’s no way we could write a song like ‘Undercover Martyn’ again,” he admitted. Instead, they’ve embraced a more relaxed approach to songwriting, focusing on what feels good rather than trying to replicate past successes.
Reflecting on the Past
With the upcoming anniversary shows, the band has taken the time to reflect on their journey. “It’s probably the first time we’ve ever really stopped to think about the past,” Kevin noted. This introspection has allowed them to appreciate the weight of their debut album, Tourist History, and its significance not just for their fans but for themselves as well.
Upcoming Shows
Fans can catch Two Door Cinema Club at their upcoming shows in January, including performances in Dublin, Belfast, Glasgow, Manchester, and London. This tour promises to be a celebration of their journey, showcasing both their classic hits and new material.
Words: Finlay Holden
